I was born behind the curtain, then moved to Brooklyn in '89. Grew up waiting for subway trains. Was a bit immoderate in consumption of books and movies. Played tennis in the summer. Skied in the winter.

I went to Brown to study math and philosophy at the usual age. Spent a year at Oxford and traveled on holidays.

Worked in New York for a few years, where I was proud of my friends, my apartment and my bicycle. Subscribed to book reviews, joined a boxing gym, gave money to public radio. Became something like a grown-up.

Lately, I've moved to Pittsburgh to start a PhD program at CMU. I don't know anyone here really. Hoping someone can help me like the place.

My thinking here is sort of guided by Kenneth Koch. That is, one ought to:

"... When taking pills, be sureto know what they are. Avoid cholesterol. In conversationBe understanding and witty, in order that you may giveComfort and excitement at the same time. This is thehigh road to popularityAnd social success, but it is also goodFor your soul and for your sense of yourself. Be supportive of othersAt the expense of your wit, not otherwise. NoJoke is worth hurting someone deeply. Avoid contagious diseases ..."

(Some General Instructions)

Favorite books, movies, shows, music, and food

Fanny and Alexander, La Collectioneuse, Stalker, The Sweet Smell of Success, The Passenger, Cries and Whispers, Killing of a Chinese Bookie, Daisies (Sedmikrasky)